Does my truck have a computer? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

crawdad · 05-18-2008, 10:40 AM

1986 Silverado, 305, Quadrajet Carb, Auto, and Bone Stock. I've always thought that this truck had a computer but I am being told that it only has the ESC spark control and that it is not really "computer controled". Is this correct? thanks.

Malo83 · 05-18-2008, 12:13 PM

I think the Computers were Calif only

Curly86 · 05-18-2008, 02:03 PM

I have an 86 Silverado with a 400 sb and Q-jet in it and mine doesn't have a computer on it.I don't think they came with a computer till 87 but I could be wrong.

gchemist · 05-18-2008, 03:07 PM

Check behind the glove box. If you see a box bolted to the underside of the dash you have an ECS "computer". Another sign is a vacuum switch on the passenger side near the A/C box.

manimal · 05-18-2008, 03:12 PM

You can also look on top of the carb. If it has a 'BLUE' solenoid on top and the distributor has a 4 prong plug instead of a VAC ADVANCE, then yes, your truck has a computer.
-Lance

crawdad · 05-18-2008, 03:13 PM

Yes, I do have the ESC computer and I understand that this device is to control the timing to prevent detonation. I think mine may not be working right and I've about decided to go ahead and disable it. I just wasn't sure if there was a brain in the truck like the newer models that controls everything else.

crawdad · 05-18-2008, 03:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by manimal

You can also look on top of the carb. If it has a 'BLUE' solenoid on top and the distributor has a 4 prong plug instead of a VAC ADVANCE, then yes, your truck has a computer.
-Lance

No, mine has the tan one and the dizzy has the vac advance.

babyJay · 05-18-2008, 03:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crawdad

...I've about decided to go ahead and disable it...

Why not just swap it out? I'm sure the local bone yard has 20 or 30 available. Heck, I've got 2 laying around from trucks I've stripped.

gchemist · 05-19-2008, 06:11 AM

I have one laying around too. ZZ4 does not have an ECS distributor.

Instructions to disable the ECS.
http://www.73-87.com/7387garage/drivetrain/escrepl.htm

PhilaTruck · 05-19-2008, 06:36 AM

Seems like a good time to cite Swervin's ESC to non-ESC dizzy swap.

on 73-87.com

They're notorious for wigging out, that's why everyone's got so many hanging around.

05-18-2008, 10:40 AM	#1
crawdad Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Georgia Posts: 614	Does my truck have a computer? 1986 Silverado, 305, Quadrajet Carb, Auto, and Bone Stock. I've always thought that this truck had a computer but I am being told that it only has the ESC spark control and that it is not really "computer controled". Is this correct? thanks. __________________ 2012 Silverado LT 1500, 5.3, 6 speed auto '86 SWB C-10 Silverado

05-18-2008, 12:13 PM	#2
Malo83 Cruzzzn' Vet Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Porterville,Ca. Posts: 1,918	Re: Does my truck have a computer? I think the Computers were Calif only

05-18-2008, 02:03 PM	#3
Curly86 You want it there when??? Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Lewisburg Ky Posts: 393	Re: Does my truck have a computer? I have an 86 Silverado with a 400 sb and Q-jet in it and mine doesn't have a computer on it.I don't think they came with a computer till 87 but I could be wrong. __________________ 1986 Silverado Flatbed 400 SB with 350 turbo 1997 Ford Explorer with 302 mydrive to work ride 1978 Gmc Midas RV 21ft with 46,000 actual miles 2003 Chevy Avalanche 5.3 327 and Tweety Bird Yellow Big Sandy Survivor 09 Trucks in the Blue Grass Survivor 09 TNCTC Streetcruzin

05-18-2008, 03:07 PM	#4
gchemist BAD BOW-Silverado XST Join Date: May 2000 Location: Senior Member from Austin, TX Posts: 6,431	Re: Does my truck have a computer? Check behind the glove box. If you see a box bolted to the underside of the dash you have an ECS "computer". Another sign is a vacuum switch on the passenger side near the A/C box. __________________ Gerardo a.k.a. Mad Chemist Silverado XST videos

05-18-2008, 03:12 PM	#5
manimal Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Southern Kalifornia Posts: 3,066	Re: Does my truck have a computer? You can also look on top of the carb. If it has a 'BLUE' solenoid on top and the distributor has a 4 prong plug instead of a VAC ADVANCE, then yes, your truck has a computer. -Lance __________________ ------------------------------------------------------ -Lance 2000 Chevy C2500, 5.7, 4L80e 1999 Suburban K2500, 7.4, 4L80e 1980 Camaro..son's car...PROJECT Last edited by manimal; 05-18-2008 at 03:13 PM.

05-18-2008, 03:13 PM	#6
crawdad Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Georgia Posts: 614	Re: Does my truck have a computer? Yes, I do have the ESC computer and I understand that this device is to control the timing to prevent detonation. I think mine may not be working right and I've about decided to go ahead and disable it. I just wasn't sure if there was a brain in the truck like the newer models that controls everything else. __________________ 2012 Silverado LT 1500, 5.3, 6 speed auto '86 SWB C-10 Silverado

05-19-2008, 06:11 AM	#9
gchemist BAD BOW-Silverado XST Join Date: May 2000 Location: Senior Member from Austin, TX Posts: 6,431	Re: Does my truck have a computer? I have one laying around too. ZZ4 does not have an ECS distributor. Instructions to disable the ECS. http://www.73-87.com/7387garage/drivetrain/escrepl.htm __________________ Gerardo a.k.a. Mad Chemist Silverado XST videos

05-19-2008, 06:36 AM	#10
PhilaTruck Right on the line, baby! Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Phila, PA 19130 Posts: 1,486	Re: Does my truck have a computer? Seems like a good time to cite Swervin's ESC to non-ESC dizzy swap. on 73-87.com They're notorious for wigging out, that's why everyone's got so many hanging around. __________________ 83 GMC 406 th400/3.73 Eaton Truetrac posi, headers, x pipe, & racePros. Tubular control arms, lowering rear springs, caltracs. Still ugly, but getting built right, although slowly Click and scroll down for site vendors! Subscribe here!



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